Music

Ramblers Release New CD

Andy Plank |

The River City Ramblers, a Chippewa Valley-based, finger-pickin’ and fast-fiddlin’ bluegrass band, have released a new full-length album called Old Hands, recorded by local musician/producer Ben Hinz. Its songs continue a tradition that dates back to 1979, when the group first came together in Menomonie as the Red Cedar Ramblers to study and perform the Kentucky bluegrass style they loved, established by such greats as Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, and Earl Scruggs. Lead guitarist/singer Jim Ellenson and company, now renamed and relocated to Eau Claire, are still loyal and sticking to their roots, but add a few genre tricks to the mix as they explore some modern folk, Cajun, and rock ’n’ roll influences on Old Hands.